One of the most honored and respected awards in Michigan’s Great Southwest is once again ‘up’ for its annual nomination process. Many would say it’s the ‘award among awards’ for those who volunteer their time and effort for the many good causes that make our community better.
It’s the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award.
United Way of Southwest Michigan is seeking nominations of volunteers for that important recognition at the organization’s annual Volunteer Recognition Event, to be held in early summer.
The highlight of the event is the presentation of the prestigious lifetime achievement award, the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award.
This honor is given to one volunteer in Berrien County who has a long-standing history of volunteerism of more than 10 years, a diversity of volunteer experience with multiple organizations or significant contribution to a single organization, and teamwork and leadership experience through various levels including physical, clerical, and/or service at the board level.
The winner will receive $3,500 to donate to the nonprofit of their choice.
The 2021 winner of the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award was Robert Burgess. Burgess has spent many years volunteering with the Soup Kitchen, Emergency Shelter Services, and the National Executive Council of Episcopal Peace Fellowship. He shares his time, expertise, and compassionate heart providing advocacy and assistance to vulnerable immigrant families through the Berrien Immigrant Solidarity Network. A father and grandfather, he serves as soccer coach and Cub Scout volunteer. Some of his most impressive work takes place as site leader for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program in Southwest Michigan, completing tax returns for low-income families at no cost, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in refunds to his clients.
NOMINATIONS CLOSE MARCH 31, 2022.
Submit nominations at //uwsm.org/nominate-a-volunteer.
